The South Korean brand has given its Optima medium-sized sedan a technological upgrade for the all-new model unveiled at today's New York motor show.

Two turbocharged engines, a new dual-clutch transmission, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity as well as the latest safety features headline the new-for-2015 Optima.

Kia Australia has confirmed it will add the 2.0-litre turbocharged model to its range when the car goes on sale locally in the final quarter of 2015.

Gentleman's WRX: Kia will push the performance angle with its new Optima Turbo. Photo: Supplied

Kia Australia spokesman, Kevin Hepworth, said the company will push the performance potential of the car in a bid to lure customers to the mid-size segment.

"Think gentleman's WRX," Hepworth said.

"It's got style, it's got good looks, it's not an overtly boy-racer car but it's got an equivalency in power output. You've got there a young or middle-aged executive that still wants to have a bit of fun in this life, can put the family in it, go to church, look the part and if he wants to he's got enough punch to have some fun and have a brag to the boys down at the golf club."

Despite the performance push Hepworth said the brand was not currently considering adding a performance sub-brand, similar to Hyundai's SR line models, but indicated that a sportier version of the Optima could be added in the future. But he stressed it wouldn't be a serious rival to genuine sports sedans.

"There may be a third model that's a 'GT Sport' model down the track, but it would have the same engine," he said. "Maybe a different tune and trim, but it wouldn't be a pumped vehicle or chipped vehicle."

As revealed last week the Optima retains the same styling cues as the previous model but the South Korean brand has now revealed the technical details of what lies beneath the bodywork.

The current 2.4-litre four-cylinder petrol engine has been carried over but has been re-tuned for better fuel economy – but Kia hasn't revealed final fuel consumption figures for the new Optima yet.

The 2.4 is now good for 138kW of power and 241Nm of torque – a 10kW and a 9Nm decline respectively.

Kia has added a new 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol that produces 132kW and 264Nm and is paired exclusively with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, but Kia Australia has ruled out offering this smaller turbo engine.

Both the 2.4 and 2.0 Turbo are paired with six-speed automatic transmissions. Kia isn't offering a manual transmission in any model.

Kia has tried to improve cabin comfort by extending the Optima wheelbase by 10mm and making the car wider by 25mm.

Inside the cabin Kia is using the Optima as its pilot model for the introduction of Android Auto and Apple CarPlay in a bid to better integrate smartphones into its new models.

Using either system will allow the driver to control his or her smartphone via the eight-inch colour touchscreen in the centre of the dashboard.

"We haven't set a specification for our cars yet," Hepworth said. "If it is a technology that doesn't require an external satellite set-up there is every chance we would look at it… We will have a good look at the technology and it will be a price/functionality battle in the cars."

US specification models will be equipped with a six-speaker audio system with the option of a 14-speaker 630-watt Infinity Premium sound system.

In the US a rear camera will be standard on all models with higher specification cars getting 360-degree view camera system.

The brand is also adding its recently developed suite of safety technology that includes adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert and autonomous emergency braking.

"Autonomous braking isn't in Australia yet, but it's certainly on the table. All the other stuff is already available in other models… We will spec the cars up as high as we can. We always have."

The suspension of the car has been redesigned for better comfort and control, but as has become standard practice for the brand, Kia Australia will carry out its own suspension tuning program to ensure the Optima meets Australian tastes.

The car will ride on a selection of 16-18-inch wheels.

"That vehicle is a critical one for the [local] suspension tune," Hepworth said.

Hepworth indicated that Kia Australia would put its hand up for the wagon variant, previewed as the Sportspace concept, if it is confirmed for production.